Interview Audio/Video/Podcast

Because I am employed at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), Kansas City, Kansas, I am aware of the technology used there, as well as some of the technology personnel. Therefore, I decided to ask Nellie Modares to share her expertise with our group. Nellie has worked for KUMC for about 18 years and currently serves as an Educational Technologist who supports the School of Medicine. She earned her master's degree in education technology from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas.

Nellie graciously agreed to stop by my office for the interview, which initially didn’t go well because of poor lighting. We moved into one of the conference rooms and recorded the interview on my I-Pad – which accounts for the not-so-good quality. Nevertheless, I decided to share it here, with the disclaimer that the poor quality is due to my naivety This was my first time ever recording an interview or producing one. (Warning...you’ll need to turn up the volume.)

While discussing the project and my plans to develop a PowerPoint presentation with the video embedded, Nellie mentioned the interactivity of Prezi and how she could demonstrate the use of one of her favorite technologies used at KUMC – Camtasia.  By doing so, she demonstrated a narrated digital presentation. Nellie noted the user friendliness of Camtasia and how faculty members are able to quickly learn and utilize the program within five minutes (Modares, personal communication, October 3, 2012). “Camtasia Studio is another popular option that lends itself to more advanced applications” (King & Cox, 2011, p. 112). 

Here’s Nellie’s narrated Prezi presentation.It is six minutes, but worth the time to see technology in action. Enjoy!

References:

King, K.P., Cox, T.D., (2011). The professor’s guide to taming technology: Leveraging digital media, web 2.0 and more for learning. Information Age Publishing. Charlotte, N.C.

Modares, N. (2012). Personal Communication, October 3, 2012.

Podcast: Pros and Cons

Integration of audio/video/podcasts into lesson plans just seems natural in today’s society. In my workplace, it has become second nature for physicians to utilize podcasts when they are physically unable (or unwilling) to attend a live session. As King & Cox (2011) mentions, new technology must be incorporated into educational activities, because if adult learners’ needs are not met they will not participate.

There are many pros to utilizing multimedia in lessons plans, due to the different styles of learning and poor attention span of learners. As previously mentioned, the availability of audio and videos that allow users to learn. The ability to listen to a podcast through online streaming content is a plus, as well as the ability to download onto a portable audio device (King & Cox).

However the use of podcasts may discourage learners from attending live sessions, thus resulting in lower physical attendance at lectures. This is a concern in my workplace when physicians (some renowned) are invited to speak to a group of resident physicians and the crowd is very small. It can be embarrassing for both the presenter and the host.

From the perspective of an adult online learner, I have found the integration of technology in courses to be more impactful than simple Powerpoint presentations and text documents from instructors. However, there is a fine line between the use and over-use of technology. I was particularly impressed with one professor’s use of technology until she implemented mandatory Wimba classroom session – which takes away the advantage of online learning. In subsequent courses, professors have done a better job of having virtual office hours and Wimba sessions that were recorded for those who could not participate in the live session.

Regarding favorite podcasting sites, I really can’t name any, as the only podcasting I do is those related to educational courses.

References:

King, K. & Cox, T.D. (2011).  The professors guide to taming technology: Leveraging digital media, web 2.0, and more for learning. Information Age Publishing. Charlotte, NC